Blue Flag Beaches of Costa Rica

QUE PASA?

QUE PASA?

The season in Samara is in full swing!  Don't forget to stop by and say hello to Brenda and Chris at the Samara Info Center.  The Info Center is located on the Beach at the restaurant Lo Que Hay.  Pick up your discount arm bands for discounts in the area and find out what there is to do in Samara. Need transportation?  No problemo!  They can arrange for just about anything you need.  You can email them at info@samarainfocenter.com.  PURA VIDA!

If you are thinking of coming down for summer vacation you need to get on it!. Even though green season things fill up quickly!

INFO CENTER WEBSITE:  www.samarainfocenter.com

Rio Perdido

We had a great time during our stay here!  The rooms are in modern custom built cabins which at first look resemble small shipping containers. The main building upper level houses the reception and restaurant.  The lower level houses the spa and pool area.  There are two pools that are wonderfully warm from the springs below.  100 steps below lie the hot springs which is quite a steep trek up and down the steps.  My daughter and friends went on the zip line. They enjoyed this challenging course which included climbing rungs of a ladder built into the cliff. The food here was wonderful which is good since there is no other place nearby to eat unless by car and probably about 30 minutes away. We were welcomed with a fabulous drink as we were directed to sit on the veranda looking out into the valley below as we finished our check-in process.  This is a great place to stay for a couple nights as you enjoy the grounds and activities. No time to spend the night?  Purchase a package of activities!  Check out their website for more information. www.rioperdido.com

Guru and Friends

Guru and friends celebrate at Cuisine Miguel's...wonderful dinner on the beach. ..check out
Www.cuisinemiguel.com

Monkey Troop in Samara

If you love to watch Monkeys Samara is the place. This troop of Howlers were playing in the trees at Veneto Condominiums.


MONKEYS

Best Beach View in the World....now with music!

Best Beach View in the World

Best Beach View in the World - New Video

Thinking of Travel to Costa Rica?...Think Samara.  Here is the new video of the condo...Best Beach View in the World! Hot off the camera...still needs music added.


Yes You Can Stay at the Best Beach View in the World!!!

Check out Samara for your Winter Vacation!

Everyone who comes to Samara leaves with a promise to come right back!  Samara is a special place that grabs the minds and hearts of her visitors.  Set in Samara Bay the quaint beach town is home to fabulous restaurants that line a portion of the beach.  Even in high season there is plenty of room and a relaxing atmosphere to relax, take in the sun, or swim n surf.  There are quite a few hotels in Samara and condos.  Veneto Condominiums is the closest to the beach and town with a drop dead gorgeous view.  Veneto has just gone through a major facelift and whether you are watching the sunset from the infinity pool or one of the private balconies you will be glad you pick it for your vacation spot!  Check out this popular Condo at Veneto.

Veneto Uno

PAQUERA COSTA RICA - HOTEL WITH DROP DEAD VIEW - PAQUERA

VISTA LAS ISLAS - PAQUERA COSTA RICA

  We really loved this hotel.  The Pro is the view. The rooms are comfortable and the Pool is refreshing and lets you enjoy the fabulous view.  The Duplex Casitas each have a deck to sit to enjoy the view.  The Con: Price of the Food - too expensive, limited menu, you are captive up on this hill to eat there.  Alternative, eat in Paquera. Great food!  Get some food to bring up to the room for snacking. Breakfast is included.  Was good, but not ready when was to be ready.

You need a car for this location.  Not far from town, but very remote up the hill...thus the view. You will need a car to drive down to the beach or anywhere you want to go. I didn't like that they made me pay cash for the room and I could use credit card for meal.

GREAT MEAL IN PAQUERA

This restaurant has fantastic food and is sooooo reasonable.  There were four of us and all of our meals together with smoothies was $44.00 USD.  The smoothies were large glass with a refill.  Do not miss the fabulous food. Right in town!

Excursion to Isla Tortugua

We traveled from Puntaranus on the Ferry.  The first issue is that the ferry times on the internet were off from the actual times so we were really early.  You need to buy your tickets from the ticket office before getting on the ferry.  There is a charge for the vehicle and driver and each passenger.  Once you are boarding the ferry only the driver is allowed to drive onboard. All other passengers have to walk on.

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We were there during the World Cup. It was quite an event being with 200 Ticos during their game.  Singing and cheering were the norm.  You can purchase food on the dock or they sell food on the ferry. The food is a reasonable price.

We stayed at a hotel and hen took a local tour operator over to the island.  Our first stop was to snorkle.  The snorkling was enjoyable, but certainly not the plethora of fish that I have seen n the Carribean or in Mexico. One issue was the clarity of the water.  It was not really choppy this day or bad weather so unsure if this is just the regular clarity of the water.

Our guide then took us to the island.  It is nice and somewhat akin to a shore excursion from a cruise ship. However, there is a charge for everything down the the horrid $1.00 port a potty.  They take no enemies on these fees.  I decided to go into the water near the rocks on the shore.  I did not realize there would be a bit of an undertow here.  I got tossed around pretty good here.  I finally was out of the water and needed to rest a minute. I sat in one of the chairs and no sooner than I caught my breath the chair rental person was making their way over.

All in all it is a nice island and there is a jet ski, banana boat, kayaks etc.  What I greatly do not like is the proximity of all of the boats to the beach.  Wading out chest height it was necessary to at all times watch for the smaller boats.  The boats should be mandated to anchor further from shore.

I also cannot imagine how busy it must be in high season.  My recommendation is to visit in low season in nice weather so the island is not over crowded. Our tour was $65.00 per person compared to the Catamaran that is approximately $100.00.  We had a private boat for our party, drinks, snacks, fresh fruit and fresh made fish, rice etc.  There were four of us so the price was right for this tour.  We had a good time, but I would not go back again.  There are many beaches in Costa Rica just as nice and easier to get to with less crowds.

View toward the island

ON OUR WAY

SNORKLE STOP

ENHANCED VISIBILITY

ISLAND VIEW

ISLAND FOOD

Secrets of Samara... Costa Rica

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g309247-d2043119-r148351409-Samara_Trails-Playa_Samara_Province_of_Guanacaste.html

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Pet a jaguar

http://www.costaricantimes.com/rehabilitating-animals-the-jaguar-rescue-center-in-costa-rica-video/29170

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Great shot of arenal

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/fastarmaan/8092488516/

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Soccer is king in Costa Rica

http://m.nydailynews.com/sports/soccer/costa-rica-prevails-penalties-greece-world-cup-article-1.1848772

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Costa Rica top off peak destination

http://www.prweb.com/releases/escapevillas/offseasontraveldiscounts/prweb10935694.htm

Medical tourism

We have experienced using the medical/dental system in Costa Rica and found it to be a wonderful experience. Our doctor is English speaking and has trained in the US. His office is modern with modern equipment. We have had physicals complete with ekg and all blood work. No appointment...no waiting...results back the next day.

We have been to his office when he is busier and have had to wait a bit, but significantly less than here at home.

His office also has two hospital beds. Emergency equipment, defibrillator. Etc.

This last trip we also made a visit to the dentist. Modern equipment, procedures and supplies. The costs are significantly lower than at home. For example large molar $50.00.

Here at home we have an ego centric view of many things. We think our things are the best and most modern because we are here.  The fact is many places in the world are modern and modern techniques. We just need to be open to new ideas and experiences.

If your interested in medical tourism and its not an emergency I would suggest a trip prior so you can become familiar and comfortable. On my next trip I intend to start the process for dental implants. For being a sissy in the dental chair, I'm quite comfortable with my dentist in CR and I'm excited to go back and get started. I believe that will be in January...I'll keep you posted.

http://thecostaricanews.com/medical-tourism-in-costa-rica-the-top-10-most-important-things-to-know/15994

Don't wait in line to pay departure tax at the airport in Costa Rica

Don't wait till you get to the airport to pay your departure tax. Take your passport to the BCR bank and you can pay the tax in a few minutes. You can purchase anytime at your leisure. This will save you lines and time at the airport when you are checking in for your flight home.

Best Beach View in the World

http://costaricabookings.com/bookings/index.php/samara-bay-guanacaste-costa-rica/

Costa Rica On the Road to Samara Review of LaRoca Restaurant

TEMPE'S TIPS

 

Tempe has literally traveled much of the world. Tempe has traveled to England, Scotland, Sweden, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Spain, Grenada, Tobago, Canada, US, and Costa Rica to name a few.

 

Recently, Tempe spent a month in CR with one of our guests.  This review is one of many upcoming Tempe Tips!

 

On the road from Nicoya to Samara it is a pleasant drive and adventure. As you near Samara and it gets a bit hilly you will discover LaRoca restaurant on your left.

 

La Roca is one of many of CR's roadside restaurants.  The difference is the gorgeous vista as you sit on the open veranda.  Whether it is dry season or rainy season the vista is beautiful. La Roca has typical CR foods including smoothies. Not ready to eat?  Just stop in for a bottled water or soda and enjoy the view.

 

Secret Tip: As you sit on the veranda look to the bottom right of the canyon. You will see a beautiful waterfall.  Double secret tip:  turn right out of La Roca just a few blocks down the road. You will see a fenced open field with a dirt road on your right.  Follow that road to the waterfall.  If it is rainy season park and walk so you don't take the risk of getting stuck. Been there....done that!

 

Have fun! 

Our New Video Published on Google Alerts!!!

Our new video for your enjoyment and relaxation....Experience first hand the sounds and view of Samara Bay.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAqPJ13Ne8Q